OKLAHOMA CITY (KFOR) – State well being officers confirming total infections are on the increase in Oklahoma. Additionally they have confirmed instances of the Delta variant in our state as vaccination charges stage off.
“We’ve positively seen a gentle improve in new COVID instances in Oklahoma,” mentioned Dr. Dale Bratzler of OU Well being.
And new case numbers don’t lie, though nicely beneath ranges final winter, our state’s new case counts up 53% during the last two weeks, placing Oklahoma and Missouri on the nationwide excessive danger map.
“COVID remains to be right here in the US, it’s nonetheless right here in Oklahoma,” mentioned State Epidemiologist, Jolianne Stone.
Some well being consultants say the COVID Delta variant is driving the uptick. The strand that originated in India is reportedly 50% extra contagious than earlier strands. Well being officers confirming 41 instances in Oklahoma thus far.
Southwest Missouri is a documented sizzling spot for the Delta variant. Bratzler says it was inevitable it could make its method to Oklahoma
“Simply take into consideration if anyone driving down I-44 stops in Joplin eats at a restaurant, after which comes on in to Oklahoma. It will get right here,” mentioned Bratzler.
“We nonetheless don’t have the heard immunity and the vaccine uptake that we wish to see in Oklahoma,” mentioned Stone.
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State officers and well being consultants each verify that the Moderna and Pfizer vaccines are near 90% towards the Delta variant.
“Vaccination is basically going to be our greatest advocate so as to maintain this from spreading,” mentioned Stone.
Docs say hospitalization ages are trending youthful because the Delta variant continues to unfold.
